What makes a horror movie scary?

Is it the plot, the actors, the visuals, the sound effects, or all of the above?

As Halloween approaches, students reveal what they think makes a horror movie horrifying.

Some students think that movies that have startling scenes when something (or someone) suddenly leaps out what seems to be nothing.

“I like ‘The Conjuring 2’ because of all the parts that jump out at you. I also like scary movies with a solid plot,” Daniel Eagan said.

It seems as if several students agree that a scary movie deserves a plot is creative, easily followed, and well written.

Much like Eagan, Jillian Hayne, junior, thinks that movie with several “pop outs” and a good plot make a horror film scary.

“I am more drawn to scary movies with a good plot because I get bored easily. Plot an originality are what make a good horror movie,” Hayne said.

Some students also expressed that they like when a scary movie is realistic, meaning they can put themselves in the situation.

“For a scary movie to be good, the movie has to be real,” Eagan said.

According to Hayne, another quality aspect a scary move should have is grand special effects. In particular, sound effects.

“I think the high pitched sounds that plays whenever a scene is supposed to be scary is what causes someone to become scared,” Hayne said.

So if looking for a good scare, search for a movie with a solid plot, special sound effects, realism and scenes that involve something  jumping out of hiding.